[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
Husband and wife Steve and Stacy Stearns “choose to leave this world as [they] live in it: in love and together.”
A Minnesota couple were found dead with their two dogs inside their Detroit Lakes home on Tuesday, in what local authorities are calling a homicide-suicide. Forum reported both had been battling cancer – Stacy’s stomach cancer, and Steve, who had just been diagnosed, lung cancer, which he said was too severe to treat. Just before they made the final decision to end their lives, they posted on their joint Facebook account to alert friends and family, wrote:
“For our loved ones. We choose to leave this world as we live in it: In love and together. Our only regret is sadness for our loved ones. Remember laughter and happiness We love you. Goodbye.”
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Steven then posted a brief will to social media pages before calling 911 just after 9 a.m. to inform police of their decision. Becker County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were then sent to the residence, where they found the couple dead with their dog. Close friend Tammy Lawrence explained to Forum:
“They are lovely people; they are big and fun, and when they hug you, you feel warm and safe. They say it all the time, always giving each other a kiss or a pat on the back, always loving each other.”
The couple were reportedly unable to have children, and seeing their two dogs, Dear and 150-lb goliath, Therefore. The latter puppy also has its own health issues, and can’t walk anymore, with Tammy in mind:
“We had a birthday party for him (Goliath), and he had his own porterhouse steak.”
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He went on to reveal that Steve had in fact made him aware of their plan before executing it, explaining:
“He made me promise not to say anything to anyone. Stacy didn’t want her to tell me but she said, ‘I can’t look you in the eye and lie to you anymore, and someone has to be able to tell people why we’re going to do what we’re going to do. They said, ‘What kind of life will it be in and out of the hospital with chemo? This is not life. They always had an agreement that, ‘We’ll go together.’”
Wow.
He admitted the couple had no time frame, and had originally planned to at least wait until after Steve’s 46th birthday next month, but his health declined rapidly within 48 hours of his confession. The friend added:
“He’s not a murderer; this is done out of love. That’s what they both want. They want to go out with their dog. Steve’s words: ‘We had a good life, we had a good ride,’ and they fell in love, and they will love each other for all eternity.”
The couple just celebrated their 21 year wedding anniversary last week. The funeral arrangements haven’t been finalized. We are saddened to hear this news, and wish their loved ones to find healing during this difficult time.
[Images via SteveStacy Stearns/Facebook]
